WINDFALLS

WHAT A CAN!



Leave it to Tiffany’s to once again remind those of us who were just beginning to believe that we had almost attained everything we possibly needed (not to mention, wanted), that no, we haven’t. Not by a long shot. Honestly, who among us wouldn’t die for a sterling silver watering can from Tiffany’s, available for a modest $2,175? I certainly can see myself daintily dousing dahlias-but never, oh, never daisies-while softly humming “Breakfast at Tiffany’s” as I stroll through the garden house. But such is the stuff of dreams. This unique watering can is available at Tiffany and Co., Suite 1020, Galleria. Mon-Sat 10-6. 458-2800.



COLLECTORS



Somehow, somewhere, there are those Old-World stalwarts who have blatantly and emphatically ignored the recent phenomenon known as hi-tech. For you, we have good news: Collectors Only, a catalog filled with page after page of Oriental art treasures, furniture, rugs, porcelain vases, jade and cloisonne figurines available at about 60 percent of retail cost. John Lewis, president of Collectors Only, began as a manufacturer’s representative offering Oriental furniture and accessories to trade people, then decided to expand and offer his finds to individuals by way of a catalog. For a $35 fee, you can get a Collectors Only bership, which entitles you to several catalogs a year and 25 percent off suggested retail prices. His next catalog will include items from Japan, Korea, Thailand, Malaysia, Tibet and Nepal. A fall catalog will cover Greece, Turkey, India and Pakistan. Lewis was based out of Hong Kong, but now he’s also opened a showroom at the Decorative Center. Collectors Only, 1548 Slocum, Suite 100. Mon-Sat 9:30-5. 741-7035.



BUDS ONLY



This tiny vase may not hold a dozen long-stemmed roses or a bundle of gladiolas, but it will hold your attention. Created by Finnish designer Tapio Wirk-kala for Rosenthal, its simple lines, interesting texture and odd shape make it a treasure you’ll want to pick up and study at length. It’s $54 at The Icehouse, 2918 N. Henderson. Mon-Sat 10-5. 823-6663.



A CINCH



Thick-waisted women beware: This spring is the season of the cinched waist. One belt designer to watch for: New York’s Tess Shalom. Her combinations of geometric shapes and bright colors are guaranteed to get you noticed. The arrow belt shown here-a lucite and hammered-brass buckle with red-leather rope belt-is $134 at Cha Cha’s. So grab the nearest waist-whittler or-if you must-a girdle,and get ready for spring. Cha Cha’s, 3911 Oak Lawn. Mon-Sat 10-6. 528-1125.



FRENCH PICNIC



Fie on the colonel. Forget the taco tacko and burger biggie. You can munch on fast food anytime. Splurge and have yourself a picnic, Francais-style, courtesy of Gene Whittington. His catering service-aptly named The French Picnic-specializes in French-provincial cooking packed to go and delivered to your door at noon. Whittington used to cater for Jean Claude restaurant, but now he’s on his own (with the help of five cooks). A winter menu (which changes every day) might offer a four-course hot lunch of tomato bisque, chicken facon bayeaux, vegetable bouquet and a pecan torte, while a summer menu (between May and early November) might offer a four-course cool lunch of gazpacho, pate de veaux de la maison, fruite fraise and lemon mousse. (How does that burrito with cheese sound now?) Considering the Picnic’s high-class offerings, its price is chicken feed: $4.95. Call one day in advance. The French Picnic. 361-6465.



SILI WEAR

Okay. I’ll be the first to admit it. These clothes are bizarre. How many jackets do you own that double as pants, a pillow, a vest or a backpack and are reversible, to boot? But the “space race jacket” ($I28) and the “kneedit pants” ($84) shown here weren’t designed for the board room; they’re SILI-Space Island Light Industry-clothes. They’re the creations of four designers who call themselves the New Age Crew and live in the mountains of Bali designing outrageous clothes that all perform more than one function. The New Age Crew began as two painters and one backpack designer and were later joined by a biochemist who handles fabric dyeing and distribution. Their goal is to make clothes that “you can fly in” -clothes that attract attention. On a more practical note, SILI wear is also extremely lightweight, which makes it great when you’re traveling in hot climates. (Picture this: You’re walking down the beach with the hot sun pouring down on you as the day wears on. What to do? Shed the jacket, fold it up and wear it on your back.) And then there’s the “snappy vest” (not shown; $88)-a violent burst of colors-turquoise, fuchsia, yellow, orange, green and red. All three SILI pieces are available at Emeralds to Coconuts, 2730 N. Henderson. Mon-Sat 10-6. 827-8149.